1 Corinthians 10:31-- “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.”
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Why do we feel so great when reflecting on a job well done? As we sit back, looking at something we’ve worked hard to accomplish, relishing in the joyful nature with which we undertook its effort, where does that sense of satisfaction come from?
As many of you know, I am a runner. When I am out for a run (as I was just before writing this today)...especially one where I have no specific training goal I am trying to hit, with no watch on my wrist and hours of time at my disposal...I truly believe I am glorifying God. On that day, in the midst of His beautiful and awesome creation, working my body physically and often using my mind for working out some issue, His glory abounds.
People often ask, when discussing running, if I wear an iPod or other device, listening to music on my runs, especially the ones lasting 2 hours or more. When I first started running I tried this, but found on a couple of occasions, when accidentally leaving it at home, I enjoyed the time to think things through. Today when I run, I try to solve various issues presented to me at work or in my personal life instead of being distracted by the music in my ears. I often find myself in prayer, having a conversation with God about what may be troubling me or giving thanks for a blessing. I always tell people that I never come back from a run with more problems than I left with. By using this time in this way, I believe I am glorifying the gifts...my mind, my body, creation...which God has given to me, exactly for the purposes for which they were intended.
Paul’s word to us today, prior to this specific verse, is focused on his message to the church in Corinth about how they should view eating certain foods, especially those which have been sacrificed or offered up to other gods. But, I find his words in the verse quoted above also speaking to me about what we do to our bodies and minds on a daily basis. Speaking as a person who, over eight years ago weighed almost 100 lbs. more than I do today...who used to be very undisciplined about the things I watched on TV, viewed and read on the internet or listened to on the radio...I recognize the amount of “junk” we can put into our bodies and minds on a regular basis. I occasionally find myself slipping into old habits now and then. When I do, I certainly don’t feel very good about myself. There is no glory in the slow poisoning of mind or body.
To me, Paul is speaking about the importance of focusing on the fact that we have the opportunity to glorify God in literally all things we do; every minute of every day of every year. When we feel good...truly good...about something we have done, when we have that joyful sense of accomplishment inside, it is evidence that we have glorified God in that task or endeavor.
So, today, how will you glorify God? Will it be in the way you drive down the road? Will it be in the way you sweep the floor? Will it be in preparing a meal for your family? Will it be the way to speak to a coworker or even a stranger? Maybe you will glorify God by sitting quietly in the bright sun, reveling in His glorious creation, peacefully reflecting in quiet gratitude on the blessings in your life. In all of these things, we can feel the peace and grace of God, recognizing that when done honestly, gratefully, joyfully and well, all things can be done for His glory.
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